HB767, HB1183, HB259

HB1183 – Delegate Lingamfelter
Delegate Lingamfelter introduced the bill. He noted that the superintendent continues to have an impact on the evaluation.

HEAV, HSLDA, and Virginia Homeschoolers spoke in support of the bill.

Senator Ruff asked how a letter was going to show progress. “What is their point of reference [for the evaluation]?” It was noted that an amendment was made in the house to address this issue.

A representative of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) spoke, noting it would save a lot of work if a portfolio were signed by the teacher or a professor. Delegate Lingamfelter said he didn’t see a problem with this language. Scott Woodruff wanted to clarify that this bill is talking about samples of material from the major school subjects. He further noted that this was the dominant method of evaluation in Maryland and West Virginia and it has not been too laborious.

Lingamfelter suggested an amendment addressing VASS’s concerns. On line 39 after “language arts,” he proposed inserting “and an evaluation by the submitter.” This amendment was accepted.

Senator Miller wanted to make sure the superintendent was still involved in the ultimate decision. Delegate Lingamfelter assured him he was and directed him to line 31. Senator Miller was concerned superintendents could not require a student to take a test or evaluation. Delegate Lingamfelter replied that superintendents could not require ADDITIONAL evaluations, but they could make a decision from the evidence presented.

As amended, the bill was not reported, but sent to the full committee. It will be heard in the full committee on Thursday.

HB 767 – Delegate Tata
The Department of Education spoke about the bill, detailing the language to be changed. HEAV and Virginia Homeschoolers said they were in support of the DOE’s bill.

Moved to report. The bill was reported.

HB 259 – Delegate Fralin
Del. Fralin explained the bill, noting, “If someone transfers within Virginia, it’s easy to keep track of them. If they want to homeschool or go to another country, it could be a problem. There is no entity on the other end who can be contacted. This [bill] requires some form of communication.”

An amendment was accepted that added “or electronic” to include e-mailed communication.